Faculty-in-Residence play an important role in supporting the well-being, formation, and success of students during their semester abroad. Because students are living and learning in an international context, they may turn to Faculty-in-Residence for guidance, encouragement, and support as they navigate academic stress, homesickness, illness, interpersonal conflict, vocational questions, spiritual growth, and other challenges that arise while abroad.

Faculty-in-Residence should expect to provide regular student care through both formal and informal interactions. This may include checking in with students, participating in community life, offering encouragement and mentoring, helping students process their experience abroad, supporting students through questions of faith and vocation, and reinforcing the expectations of the ACU Study Abroad community.

At times, Faculty-in-Residence may also be asked to assist with more immediate student concerns, including after-hours support during emergencies, helping care for students who are ill, responding to conduct or community standards issues, or supporting the Program Director and local staff during a student crisis. In these situations, Faculty-in-Residence serve as part of the broader Study Abroad leadership team and should work closely with the Program Director.

Faculty-in-Residence are never expected to serve as counselors or medical professionals. When students need mental health support, medical care, or specialized assistance, Faculty-in-Residence should notify the Program Director and may help connect students to local counseling resources or local medical resources as needed.

The Program Director will review student care expectations during RA and Faculty-in-Residence Orientation before the beginning of the semester abroad. If you have questions about your role in student care before orientation, please contact Mark Barneche.